The 7th edition of the El Gouna Film Festival (GFF) concluded with a captivating closing ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to global cinema and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of this year’s participating filmmakers.
In an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation, Ms. Annabella Hilal opened the evening, welcoming an array of distinguished guests and international filmmakers, highlighting the power of film to bridge cultures, build empathy, and spark new conversations.
The host also expressed gratitude to the festival’s sponsors, whose invaluable support helped make the event a success. She introduced Mr. Samih Sawiris, who shared inspiring words about GFF’s commitment to fostering talent and providing a platform for cinematic expression in the Arab region and beyond. Mr. Amr Mansi followed with a heartfelt speech, as they reflected on the year’s achievements and the festival’s enduring mission.
A moving tribute was held in remembrance of cinematic icons Hassan Youssef and Mostafa Fahmy, honoring their enduring impact on Egyptian and international cinema. This tribute, marked by a moment of silence, underscored the festival’s respect for their timeless contributions to film and culture.
The evening’s highlights included the presentation of the prestigious Career Achievement Award to Lebanese artists Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to contemporary art and film. Known for their pioneering work across film, photography, and installations, the duo’s work explores complex themes of memory, history, and storytelling. Their notable films, such as Memory Box, The Lebanese Rocket Society, and Je veux voir, have garnered international acclaim at festivals including Cannes, Berlinale, and Toronto. Joana and Khalil’s artistry has been featured in prominent exhibitions worldwide, solidifying their influence on the global art and film landscape. The award was presented by Marianne Khoury, who lauded their unique vision and transformative approach to storytelling, highlighting their impactful exploration of historical narratives and personal memories.
The El Gouna Film Festival also introduced the newest award “Art Behind the Scenes” an new pioneering award to honor filmmakers in essential, behind-the-scenes roles like editing, costume design, cinematography, music composition, and set design. This year, the Creative Achievement Award was given to Egyptian costume designer Nahed Nasrallah for her lasting contributions. Additionally, annual nominee awards went to cinematographer Abdel Salam Mousa and composer Ahmed El Sawy. The awards highlight the essential creative contributions of these professionals, with a jury that includes members such as, Yousra, Yousry Nasrallah, Marwan Hamed, and Hend Sabry.
Engineer Samih Sawiris, Chairman of GFF and Founder of El Gouna: "El Gouna Film Festival was established as a platform for creativity, dialogue, and cultural exchange, and each year it brings us closer to that vision. I am proud of how the festival has grown, creating lasting impact and encouraging filmmakers to push boundaries and tell powerful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide."
Following the Career Achievement Award, the ceremony proceeded to the eagerly anticipated announcement of this year’s NETPAC Award, honoring excellence in Asian cinema.
The NETPAC Jury at GFF 2024 led by renowned filmmaker Asif Rustamov (Azerbaijan), included distinguished film curator Ludmila Cvikova (Slovakia) and respected journalist and critic Kais Kasim (Iraq/Sweden), each bringing rich expertise and a commitment to amplifying unique cinematic narratives. Together, they named the winner of the NETPAC AWARD for Best Asian Film, spotlighting exceptional storytelling that enriches the festival’s global perspective.
For exploring the unique bond between a daughter and her father, gracefully moving from an intimate family setting to the lively streets of Tripoli. The captivating narrative of the film shows that seemingly simple documentary cinema can be both beautiful and deeply expressive, the NETPAC Jury awarded, the NETPAC Award for the Best Asian Film at GFF#2024 to WE ARE INSIDE | NAHNOU FIL DAKHIL (Lebanon, Qatar, Denmark) directed by FARAH KASSEM.
The FIPRESCI Jury at GFF 2024 was tasked with choosing outstanding work by debut (first or second features) of filmmakers from Africa, Asia, and South America. The jury, composed of film critics Arwa Tag Eldeen (Sudan), Francisco Ferreira (Portugal) and Letícia Alassë (Brazil), gave the FIPRESCI Prize to GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS (India) directed by Shuchi Talati.
CINEMA FOR HUMANITY AUDIENCE AWARD
Since its inception at GFF’s inaugural edition in 2017, the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award has honored films that deeply resonate with audiences on a humanitarian level. Open to feature-length films that are nominated from across all festival sections, this people’s choice award invites viewers to celebrate the story that speaks to them most profoundly.
This year, the competition was particularly close, with each nominated film offering a powerful and resonant narrative. The winning film intricately weaves together stories that reflect the complex realities and relationships amidst crises spanning the last five years. Set against a backdrop that includes a thwarted revolution, economic collapse, currency devaluation, a pandemic, an explosion, and a persistent political vacuum, it captures both the intense turmoil and resilience of a community on edge.
Making its World Premiere at GFF2024, DISORDER captivated audiences and earned the Cinema for Humanity Audience Award. The film comprises four segments—The Group, directed by Lucien Bourjeily; Motherland, directed by Bane Fakih; Don’t Panic by Wissam Charaf; and A Piece of Heaven, directed by Areej Mahmoud—each offering a unique perspective on a society navigating relentless hardship, weaving together a cinematic portrayal that is both introspective and charged.
Engineer Naguib Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna Film Festival:
"The Cinema for Humanity Audience Award embodies the heart of our festival. It reflects the voice of the audience and their passion for stories that touch lives and inspire change. I'm thrilled to see how our audiences engage with these films, and I always look keenly forward to discovering which one has captured their hearts every year."
The El Gouna Green Star Award celebrates films that shine a spotlight on environmental issues, ecology, and wildlife, encouraging sustainability and the protection of our planet. This year, the jury—comprising Egyptian-Montenegrin actress Tara Emad, Egyptian actor-director-producer Ahmed Magdy, and Dutch producer Annemiek van der Hell—carefully reviewed these impactful entries. A special mention was given to A NEW KIND OF WILDERNESS for its heartfelt portrayal of the journey of Nik Payne, a widower living off-the-grid with his children in the Norwegian wilderness. The jury was deeply moved by this film. El Gouna Green Star was awarded to THE BATTLE FOR LAIKIPIA. Directed by Daphne Matziaraki and Peter Murimi, this compelling documentary from Kenya, co-produced with Greece and the United States, “explores the intense conflict over land and resources in central Kenya, focusing on the struggles between the semi-nomadic Samburu people and European ranchers amid drought and climate change. The film delivers a powerful, nuanced portrayal of both sides, highlighting the importance of environmental storytelling as a means to raise awareness and inspire change”.
Amr Mansi, Executive Director, El Gouna Film Festival: "This edition of the festival has been a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting diverse voices in cinema. I am incredibly grateful for the passion and dedication of everyone involved, from our filmmakers to our team, who make GFF a vibrant hub for film and culture each year."
The awards ceremony continued with accolades in the Short Film, Documentary, and Narrative Film categories, recognizing works that have distinguished themselves in cinematic innovation, storytelling, and emotional resonance. The Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Arabic awards celebrated diverse voices and showcased films from around the globe, each offering a unique perspective on universal themes.
Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director, El Gouna Film Festival: "Our selection this year represents a rich tapestry of perspectives and cinematic excellence, showcasing both emerging and established talent. It has been a privilege to curate such impactful works that challenge, inspire, and celebrate humanity in all its complexity. I am excited for our audiences to experience these stories."
The Short Films Competition at GFF showcases an array of compelling short narrative films crafted by both emerging and seasoned filmmakers, offering fresh perspectives and artistic innovation from around the world. The Jury of this category brought together a diverse panel of accomplished professionals from the world of film and television: Amina Khalil (Egypt, actress), Amir El-Masry (Egypt-Britain, actor), Lina Soualem (France-Palestine-Algeria, actress and filmmaker), Sam Manacsa (Philippines, producer and film programmer), and Rakeen Saad (Jordan, actress).
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